Tag: fourth of July

It's that time again! TODAY ONLY Best Bully Sticks is holding a 1-Day Animal Shelter / Rescue Giveaway! These giveaways are open to those shelters that haven't won a donation from BBS in the last six months, and have actively participated in giveaways. Visit the OfferPop App on our Facebook Page to find out if your shelter made this list! The rescue with the most votes by 5pm est on July 3rd (today) will win $500 of BBS product! 

If your rescue doesn't appear on the list, please leave a comment below nominating your favorite Animal Rescue or Shelter. We will add your favored organization in our next giveaway. 

Simply put, Best Bully Sticks loves dogs. That is why BBS hold fun and engaging giveaways not only to giveaway our products to needy animals but to educate our fans on local shelters and their missions. 

On the Fourth of July, Americans think back to the revolution in our great country and the independence it gave us. As Americans, we should appreciate the freedoms our country offers and that’s why the Fourth is so special. However, some Americans are still not totally free—disabled Americans. Yes, Americans with disabilities have all the same constitutional freedoms as the rest of us; yet, imagine having a disability that keeps you from being free in the day-to-day world. Being blind, deaf or even having mental ailments such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) limits many Americans.  Today Best Bully Sticks salutes those dogs that return freedoms that most Americans take for granted every day—assistance dogs.

The American Disabilities Act of 1990 defines an assistance dog as “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including, but not limited to, guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items."

Assistance dogs are usually used in three different ways: hearing dogs, guide dogs, and service dogs.

Hearing Dogs
Hearing dogs assist deaf and hearing-impaired Americans with day-to-day tasks by alerting them of noises that need attention, such as an alarm clock, a baby crying or a doorbell.  These dogs interact daily through physical contact and are usually marked by their orange collars or vests. Hearing dogs can be selectively bred dogs or mixed breeds taken from a rescue or shelter.

Guide Dogs
Blind and visually impaired Americans use Guide Dogs to help them navigate the world. Tasks like stopping at curbs, stairs and generally avoiding obstacles are some of the main functions of a guide dog. These dogs wear a harness with a U-shaped handle for communication between the dog and the handler. Guide dogs are most commonly selectively bred as Labrador and Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Service Dogs
Service Dogs are used to assist many different types of impairments or ailments. These can include mental disabilities such as PTSD or “alert” dogs, which are trained to sense a diabetic’s low blood sugar, or an epileptic’s oncoming seizure.  Service dogs can even be trained to work with people in wheelchairs to open doors or retrieving an out of reach object. Service dogs are can be bred selectively or rescued from an animal shelter.  A backpack or harness usually denotes a service dog. Read more

While Independence Day is a cause and time to celebrate. Loud noises & flashing lights from fireworks & patriotic crowds can be scary & overwhelming for some family members, including our pets.  Dogs not only have a keen sense of smell but a keen sense of hearing. So loud sounds of flashing fireworks can cause your pet to scurry under the bed, covers or in a corner from what they may consider Armageddon.

Here are some tips from the Twittersphere on ways to keep your dog safe this Fourth of July and help your pet cope with fireworks.

1. There’s No Place Like Home- Although we all want to celebrate The Fourth of July with our furry friends, sometimes it best for your dog to be a home body. If your dog is afraid of fireworks leaving your dog home is important. Firework celebrations, the lights, the sounds, & unfamiliar location can make your dog more fearful even though you are by his side. Lounging & snuggling on your couch with your pups is a great bonding time with out worrying about the traffic and having to find a good seat amongst the crowd.

2. Never Leave Your Dog Outside- If left unattended even in a fenced yard many dogs may get so scared of the sounds of fireworks and decide to jump the fence, run into traffic and panic. Dogs that are tied up in the backyard may accidentally strangle themselves to break free & hide from the noise.

3. Create a Diversion- When fireworks are blasting its important to distract your dog by turning on the tv or radio. Turning the tv or radio to a comfortable soothing level will create a relaxing atmosphere and help drown out some of the noise. It helps take your dogs minds and ears off the sounds of fireworks.

Do not  forget to keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Also, giving your dog his or her favorite interactive chew toy with a treat spot will fill the belly and keep them entertained for hours.

4. Create a Safe Haven- Every dog needs a special den like area where he or she can feel safe & secure. Crates filled with your dogs favorite security blanket, pad, or dog beds can provide the perfect oasis.  If you don’t use a crate make sure to doggy proof your home & pick up any objects that might get chewed or destroyed. Make sure to safetly store away objects that may be dangerous within paws reach. Even the most well behaved dog when under stress can become destructive.

5.  Talk to Your Vet- Seeking the advice of a vet or dog behavorist may prove beneficial for dogs who are very fearful , stressed out, defensive, exhibit anxiety & fear. Bachs Rescue Remedy provides a natural stress relief from holidays like these and take the edge off. Although your dog may not be afraid of fireworks they may become defensive and go on a barking frenzy.

6.  Always Where Id- In case your dog decides to escape through the door. Keeping your dog securely tagged with proper identification around his collar will save you some headaches in case your dog decides to play a game of hide & not seek from the fireworks. Microchips provide an aided layer of fur protection and are painlessly embedded into your dog. The best part if that if your dog is lost & found your dogs info will be in their massive database.

If your dog is lucky enough to go with you to see the fireworks be sure to stay by his or side the whole time. There is nothing like the security of a your guardian holding your paw and calming your fears.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews, and of course bully sticks which serve as a delicious & entertaining diversion!